Rhinoceroses are large, heavyset mammals with a distinctive prehistoric look, known for their thick skin and prominent horns.

Rhinoceros photography allowswildlife photographers to capture one of Africa’s most ancient and iconicmammals. With their prehistoric appearance, powerful presence, and importantconservation story, rhinos provide opportunities for both dramatic portraitsand meaningful wildlife images. Learn where to photograph rhinos, the besttimes for sightings, and techniques for photographing these incredible animalsresponsibly.

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Find them at the following tours

Our photo safaris are designed to bring you as close to the wild as possible, so that you can watch and photograph these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.

Namibia Landscapes and Wildlife Photo Safari

Namiri Plains Serengeti

Overview

Key Facts

Rhinos are among the most endangered mammals in the world, with several species critically endangered or on the brink of extinction.
There are five main species of rhinoceros: white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, Indian rhinoceros, Javan rhinoceros, and Sumatran rhinoceros.
Rhinos are herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, shoots, and fruits.
Rhinos have poor eyesight but compensate with their acute sense of smell and excellent hearing.
They have a thick, armour-like skin that can be up to 5 centimetres (2 inches) thick.
Rhinos communicate through various vocalizations, body postures, and scent markings.
White rhinos are the largest species, with males weighing up to 2,500 kilograms (5,500 pounds).
Black rhinos are smaller and more aggressive than white rhinos, with a hooked upper lip specialized for browsing on leaves and twigs.
Indian rhinos have a single horn, while Javan and Sumatran rhinos have two.
Rhinos play a crucial role in their ecosystems by shaping landscapes, dispersing seeds, and creating water holes.

Types and Habitats

There are five main species of rhinoceros, each with its unique characteristics and habitat preferences. The white rhinoceros is found in grassy plains and savannas of southern and eastern Africa. Black rhinos inhabit dense vegetation areas, including woodlands and shrublands, primarily in eastern and southern Africa. Indian rhinoceros are native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found in the tall grasslands and riverine forests of Nepal and northeastern India. Javan rhinoceros are critically endangered and reside in the dense tropical rainforests of Java, Indonesia. Sumatran rhinoceros are also critically endangered and inhabit dense forests and swampy areas of Sumatra, Indonesia.

These different species of rhinos have adapted to their respective habitats, utilizing their unique physical and behavioural traits. For example, white rhinos have a broad, square-shaped mouth for grazing on grasses, while black rhinos have a prehensile upper lip for browsing on leaves and twigs.

WHERE TO FIND ME